Metal Entrance Mat Cleaning

Recessed Aluminum/Metal Mats

Cleaning, Handling & Maintenance Instructions

Daily Cleaning

Use a vacuum to collect and remove loose dirt and debris. Note:  It is important to use a ”wide- head” vacuum tool in order to maximize suction/cleaning power with the varying heights between the aluminum strips and the insert material i.e. heavy-duty carpet, abrasive, vinyl.

Inspect your recessed metal mat daily for chewing gum and remove before it becomes hardened and compacted.  There are commercial gum removers available that do an excellent job

For small wet spills, use a clean cloth or absorbent material to soak up as much of the spill as possible.  If a large wet spill, we recommend you use either a wet/dry vac or a carpet extraction machine.

Periodic Cleaning – monthly or change of season

One of the principle reasons to use a metal mat in a recessed well is to allow the roll-up mat to trap and catch dirt, leaving it to fall between the slots and collect in the recessed area.   The recess needs to be cleaned as frequently as necessary to prevent a build-up of dirt and moisture under your roll-up mat/grid.  It is recommended that after vacuuming/sweeping/cleaning the well that you wash or sanitize the well to prevent a build-up of bacteria.  You can use a screwdriver to lift the edge of the mats for easy removal.

Before wet cleaning, the mats should be removed from the recessed well and the well should be cleaned.  Also, the underside of the mat should be cleaned off at this time.  If mats are lifted or removed and replaced without cleaning recessed well, they will not fit.  Dirt build-up will have shifted and leave the well floor uneven and your mat tipping and uneven.

NEVER roll an aluminum roll-up mat too tightly.  A roll-up mat should be loosely rolled up and carefully removed from the well.  Also, if you have a large heavy aluminum mat, you can roll up half of the mat onto the other half; clean the recessed well and then roll back into cleaned well; repeat the process with the other half of the mat.  No heavy lifting required.    

When wet cleaning vacuum dirt from mat, remove any chewing gum and use a stain remover to treat stained areas. (NEVER use chemicals containing chlorinated hydrocarbons and bleaching/oxidizing agents  --  use a carpet-approved stain remover to treat stains.)   Leaving the aluminum mat in its recessed well, you can use a carpet cleaning machine that uses counter rotating brushes or a hot water carpet extractor.  A light household-type carpet cleaner product is recommended.   Whichever method is used, it is important to ensure surface moisture is extracted before placing the mat in use to avoid premature soiling.

If mat is unusually soiled i.e. end of winter, another solution, if available, is to use an on-site pressure washer, clean mats, stand on end to dry and replace in cleaned/disinfected recessed well.  Yet another method to periodically deep clean your mats is to take your mats or grids to a commercial car wash and use cleaning wand until mats are clean.  Stand mats on end to dry or use wet/dry vac to extract moisture before returning to sanitized recessed well.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• NEVER apply wax or other polishing products to the metal surface of the mats or grids  --  doing so would create a slippery surface that could cause clip and fall accidents.
• NEVER wheel heavy loads over the aluminum mats or grids.  Heavy loads wheeled over them may bend or damage the mats creating a tripping hazard.  Heavy loads include cars, boats, forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.
• NEVER use any cleaning solution that is not recommended for color-safe carpeting.
• NEVER use any cleaning product or chemical that is NOT recommended for use with aluminum metal.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your aluminum mats will greatly extend the life of your mat, as well as leave a good impression of your building’s décor and function.

How To Clean Anodized Aluminum?

Q: How do I clean anodized aluminum?

A: Cleaning anodized aluminum is easy with the right technique. Because anodizing is so hard, you want to use an abrasive cleaning technique with a general soap. Do not use harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners because they may destroy the finish. Use solvents with care as they may stain the finish. Regardless of the technique, be sure to try a test area first. One recommended technique is to use an abrasive cleaning sponge with mild dish washing liquid. Always try a test small area first to prevent a widespread problem. (For more detailed advice, obtain a copy of Care of Aluminum from The Aluminum Association.)

Q: Can anodized aluminum be cleaned with a detergent that has a pH of 10, or would that result in scaling or other surface problems?

A: Factors such as concentration of the detergent solution, duration of exposure, and temperature will influence the results. If the anodized aluminum is cleaned at room temperature and promptly rinsed with clean water, then there should be no problem. If cleaned at an elevated temperature or with prolonged exposure without rinsing, then the cleaning solution would start to attack the anodic oxide and etch the metal. Mild soap is generally preferable to detergent for routine maintenance cleaning.

©2013 Aluminum Anodizers Council